Dissecting life on beautiful Greek islands

Gissing, Norfolk. Alice Copperwheat who's on a university placement in Greece as part of her Zoology Degree at the University of Manchester

A former Diss High School student is hailing the ‘brilliant experience’ on her placement year in Greece as she looks to complete a degree in zoology.

Alice Copperwheat, of Upper Street, Gissing, studies at the University of Manchester, and is currently in year three of a four-year course. She is on placement at Archipelagos, Institute of Marine Conservation based on the small island of Samos, in the North Eastern Aegean region of Greece.

Miss Copperwheat started her adventure at the beginning of September, and has been enjoying the Christmas break back home, before flying out on Sunday to complete the last six months.

“It has been really good - it has been a brilliant experience,” she said. “We have done so much.

“It is brilliant being at home for Christmas. When I first got there it was quite a shock being away from home.

“It is nice being at home but once you are there for a week you get used to it.”

Miss Copperwheat, who was based on the island of Samos for six weeks before moving to the smaller island of Ouinousses, has carried out a range of activities including chameleon nightwalks, sampling, and carrying out research.

She has also seen dolphins, and has dissected both a turtle and a jackal.

“They (the dissections) are probably the best moments I have had. Some people could not even stand to look at it but I thought it was absolutely amazing.”

Miss Copperwheat says that going on travelling holidays with family first gave her the inspiration to study Zoology.

“I would say it has been a real eye opener and it has taught me so much,” she added. “I have learnt so much about myself. It has been tough at some points but it has been really rewarding. I would recommend a placement because you see so much more than just staying at university.”

To follow Miss Copperwheat on the second half of her placement year, you can read her blog at www.copperwheatingreece.wordpress.com.